New 'Waterways of War' 1812 guidebook invites travelers to national scenic byways

by jmaloni

Submitted

Wed, Sep 18th 2013 07:00 am

Travelers interested in America's War of 1812 history now have
a new 72-page, illustrated guidebook to lead them to historic sites in New York
and Pennsylvania. Seaway Trail Inc. (Sackets Harbor) has published "Waterways
of War: The War of 1812, A Traveler's Guide to the War of 1812 Forts, Battlefields
and Historic Sites along America's Byways in New York and Pennsylvania," by
Steve Benson and Ron Toelke.

The book highlights sites on two federally designated National
Scenic Byways: the 518-mile Great Lakes Seaway Trail along the St. Lawrence
River, Lake Ontario, Niagara River and Lake Erie in New York and Pennsylvania;
and the 225-mile Lakes to Locks Passage along Lake Champlain and the Hudson
River in New York.

"History underpins a major economic tourism engine for New
York state. This new guidebook from Seaway Trail Inc. prompts consumer interest
in visiting our fabulous heritage sites. New York's National Scenic Byways
create unique pathways for travelers to discover sites from one of the oldest
(1797) homes in Plattsburgh to the storied War of 1812 battlefield in Sackets
Harbor, well-kept forts in Oswego and Youngstown, and the Watervliet Arsenal," said
New York State Sen. Betty Little, chair of the Senate committee on cultural
affairs, tourism, parks and recreation.

"The journey to open fields where battles were won and lost,
to the waters where brigs and sloops of war volleyed cannon fire and created
shipwrecks for today's scuba divers, and to the cities that sprang up in a free
and independent America is what byways are all about - unique,
it-only-happened-here experiences that must be enjoyed in person," said Great
Lakes Seaway Trail President and CEO Mike Bristol.

Walter P. Rybka, senior captain of the U.S. Brig Niagara based
at the Great Lakes Seaway Trail port of Erie, wrote the introduction. Early
chapters offer a 16-page overview of the war and the Great Lakes Seaway Trail
and Lakes to Locks Passage byways.

Written in easy-to-read vignette style, "Waterways of War: The
War of 1812" includes many stories, e.g., a description of the real "Uncle Sam"
and the battle fireworks behind the Star-Spangled Banner, plus a timeline,
how-to tips for historic re-enactors, and a books and websites resource
section.

Noted maritime artist Peter Rindlisbacher provided his
painting of "The Oneida off Sackets Harbor" for the cover. War of 1812
artifacts collector Robert Bodnoff contributed many of the historic images
among 132 colorful illustrations and photos and 11 maps. The guidebook retails
for $14.95 and is available at historic sites and through www.seawaytrail.com.

Seaway Trail, Inc. has just released the second printing of a
companion book, "Waterways of War: The Struggle for Empire 1754-1763, A
Traveler's Guide to the Forts and Battlefields along America's Byways in New
York and Pennsylvania." Federal Highway Administration funding administered
through the New York State Department of Transportation to Seaway Trail Inc.
supported the development of the heritage theme guidebooks and a series of War
of 1812 and French and Indian War Great Lakes Seaway Trail "Outdoor
Storyteller" interpretive panels installed at historic sites along the byway.